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Best and Worst Companion Plants for Peppers – A Full Guide

Peppers can be grown in many climates and soils. Peppers are the most popular vegetables in the world, and for a good reason. They are easy to grow, have a wide variety of flavors, and can be used in various dishes. However, some plants are not ideal companions for Peppers. These plants can cause problems for Peppers and negatively impact their growth or flavor.

Best and Worst Companion Plants for Peppers

Choosing the right companion plant for your Pepper plant can help to make your garden more successful. Although Peppers can be grown in most locations, they grow well when planted in full sun with well-drained soil. One of the best ways to grow Peppers is with companion plants. Companion plants help improve Peppers’ growth, yield, and flavor.

Best and worst companion plants for Peppers

Best companion plants for Peppers

Beets

Beets are an excellent companion plant for Peppers because they can deter pests, reduce the number of cucumber Beetles that attack Pepper plants, and provide nitrogen to the soil. Beets also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which help control aphids and other pests. Sow Beet seeds in early spring in a sunny location.

As soon as the seeds germinate, thin out the seedlings to two per spot. When the Beets are about 6 inches tall, transplant them into individual pots and give them completed soil treatment. Harvest Beets when reaching between 8 and 12 inches in height; at this point, their color will be deep red, and their texture will be sweet. Beets are a great companion plant for Peppers because they help to deter pests and provide nutrients for the Pepper plants. 

Carrots

Carrots are great companion plants for Peppers because they help deter pests and provide some organic matter to help keep the soil healthy. They also add a bit of color and interest to the garden. Carrots also provide nitrogen and foliar nutrients that can help to promote growth in Peppers.

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Carrots
Leafy greens

When growing leafy greens, it is important to consider the companion plants that best suit their needs. Lettuce is an easy-to-grow plant that can be planted in any area of the garden. It produces a lot of leaves, so it will help to shade other plants and keep them cool in summer. When grown with Peppers, lettuce will help to repel pests.

Arugula is another easy-to-grow plant that can be planted in any garden area. It’s one of the most popular salad vegetables and makes a great hedge or screening plant. When grown with Pepper, Arugula helps foliage insects away from the Pepper plants and attracts beneficial insects, which can help control pests on the Peppers.

Amaranth is a great companion plant for Peppers because it can help deter insects and add nitrogen to the soil. Amaranth also has a nice flower color which will contrast well with the red or green of Peppers. Collard Greens are similar to kale, but they have a richer flavor. When grown with Peppers, Collard Greens help prevents pests from damaging the Peppers and add nutrients to the soil.

Eggplant

Pepper plants are best companions for Eggplant, as they share many requirements. Eggplant and Pepper plants can be grown together in a sunny spot but should be spaced at least 18 inches apart to prevent cross-pollination. Eggplant and Pepper’s plants also like the same fertilizers and water needs, so apply according to the recommendations on the bag or container of your chosen fertilizer. Feed it occasionally with diluted fertilizer or compost and water generously when needed. 

In case you missed it: How to Grow Eggplant/Brinjal from Seed to Harvest: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Eggplant
Buckwheat

Pepper plants are great companions for other plants because they attract predatory insects, which helps to control aphids and other plant pests. Buckwheat is an excellent companion plant for Peppers because it spikes the yield of Peppers, prevents them from becoming spindly, and provides bee attraction.

Cowpeas

Cowpea is drought-tolerant and grows quickly, making them a good choice for companion planting with Peppers. Cowpeas provide nitrogen and other nutrients the Peppers need, as well as shading and insulation from the sun. Prefers full sun to partial shade; grows in loamy and sandy soils; pH 6 to 7.5.

Cowpeas are attractive garden plants that can be used in various settings, from container gardens to large landscapes. Cowpeas are drought-tolerant and easy to grow. They produce long vines that can be trained into unusual shapes or pulled up by the roots to create dense patches of foliage. 

Basil

Basil can be grown in various climates. It is a hardy plant that can stand up to some abuse, making it a good choice for gardeners who do not care for tender plants. Basil may be planted in the ground or containers. Basil is an excellent companion plant for Peppers because of its antibacterial and antiviral properties. When planted near Peppers, Basil can help to keep the Pepper pests away. Basil also increases the yield of Peppers by providing them with nectar and pollen.

In case you missed it: How to Grow Basil from Seed to Harvest: Check How this Guide Helps Beginners

Basil

Peppers are susceptible to several diseases, including blackspot, cedar-apple rust, and brown spot. To protect them from these diseases, add fresh Basil leaves to Pepper’s planting area before the plant’s flowers. This will help to inhibit the growth of pathogens and reduce the chances of Pepper damage caused by these diseases. Additionally, Basil can help to repel insects that might prey on Peppers.

Dill

Many companion plants can help grow Peppers successfully. Dill is a sturdy plant with feathery leaves and small white flowers. It is a good choice for those who want to add some earthiness to their Pepper garden. Dill has dense foliage that can shade other plants, produces aromatic flowers and small edible fruits, and can tolerate cold weather well. Dill is a good choice for those who want to grow Peppers near other plants that will help to screen them from view or add nutrients to the garden soil.

Chives

Chives are a great companion plant for Peppers because they help deter pests and reduce the number of pests on your plants. They also have a strong Onion smell, which can deter pests from eating your Peppers. Chives can be planted in the same area as your Pepper plants or around the garden’s edge to enhance the aroma. 

Cilantro 

If you’re growing Peppers, consider adding Cilantro to your garden. Cilantro is an excellent companion for Peppers. Cilantro helps deter pests, such as aphids and Beetles, from attacking Pepper plants. Additionally, Cilantro provides nectar that attracts pollinators, making it a key player in helping to ensure good yields of Peppers.

Adding Cilantro to a Pepper garden can increase yields by as much as 67%.  Aside from adding flavor and nutrients to your Pepper plants, Cilantro can also help clean up the plants. Its extensive leaves can act as a natural fertilizer for the soil around the plants, and its stems can be chopped and used as a strong herbicide to control weeds close to the Peppers.

Parsley

Parsley is an excellent companion plant for Peppers. It helps to deter pests and repels some dogs and cats. When growing Parsley, be sure to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and warmth. Parsley does best in soil that is moist but well-drained. Parsley will grow tall but is typically kept shorter by dividing it every couple of years.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a great companion plant for Peppers because it helps to deter pests and diseases. It also contains antibacterial properties that can help keep Pepper plants healthy. Chamomile can be planted near the Pepper plants, in the same container, or in separate containers. Chamomile has many benefits for Peppers, including repelling pests and reducing the amount of moisture needed by the Pepper. Chamomile can be planted near Peppers as an amendment or in fertilizer to provide essential nutrients and protection.

Marigolds

There are many great companion plants for Peppers, but some of the most popular include Marigolds. These plants add color and flavor to any garden and can help repel pests. Marigolds are a great choice for Pepper gardens because they add vibrant colors and a sweet fragrance to the soil. You can sow them directly in the ground, plant them in pots, and then move them around as needed. 

Rosemary

Rosemary is another good choice for companion planting with Peppers. Not only does it have a strong scent that helps discourage pests, but it also adds flavor to the vegetables. You can grow rosemary either in containers or in the ground. 

In case you missed it: How to Grow Rosemary from Seed to Harvest: Check How this Guide Helps Beginners

Rosemary
Petunias

Petunias are aromatic flowers that can help to repel pests. They also produce pollen, which can help to pollinate other plants in the garden. Petunias provide bright colors and long-lasting blooms in the garden while deterring pests and promoting healthy growth.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a wonderful companion plant for Peppers because they help deter pests and provide some protection from mildew and fungi. They can be planted in the garden or containers and used in various ways, such as groundcover, hedge, or screen. Nasturtiums are also edible; their flowers can be enjoyed fresh or dried.

If you’re looking for a companion plant that will add punch to your Pepper plants, Nasturtiums might be your choice. These plants are often considered easy to care for and reach a height of up to 2 feet. They also produce cascading flowers that make a great addition to any garden.

Worst companion plants for Peppers

Fennel 

Fennel is another plant not recommended as a companion to Peppers because it produces an unpleasant odor when growing tall. Additionally, Fennel can reduce yields from Pepper plants by stealing water and nutrients from them. Fennel is a flowering plant that can be soggy and invasive. It’s not a great companion plant for Peppers because it will smother them and steal their sunlight. Fennel also causes problems with soil drainage. 

Strawberries 

Many plants can be considered bad companions for Peppers, but some of the most common offenders are Strawberries. While Peppers generally do not need much support from the garden, strawberries can be invasive and overtax them. Additionally, their sharp thorns may damage or even kill Peppers.

In case you missed it: Growing Strawberries from Seed to Harvest: A Complete Planting Guide for Beginners

Strawberries 
Apricots

A few plants are not great companions for Peppers, even if they seem perfect for other vegetables. Apricots are not a good fit for Peppers because their fruit can repel the Pepper’s insect predators. Additionally, Apricots and Peppers share similar pests and diseases, so keeping them close to each other can lead to problems.

Conclusion

Peppers need plants that help deter pests and add nitrogen to the soil. Remember their needs and garden location to choose the best companion plants for Peppers. When growing Peppers, it’s important to consider their companion plants. A Pepper’s favorite companions will impact the amount of fruit they produce and the shape and color of the Peppers. Many Peppers are available, so choosing the right companion plants is important.

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